System, method and apparatus for improving human response, sensitivity and performance

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for improving an individual&#39;s response are disclosed. A system for improving an individual&#39;s response comprises an item of headwear having a microphone; a speaker; a recording device secured to a front of the item of headwear; an electroencephalogram cap for measuring and recording electrical activity in the individual&#39;s brain; and a computing device. The computing device includes machine readable media; an input device; an output device; a communication device for communicating over a network; a processor in data communication with the machine readable media, the input device, and the output device; and electronic instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform steps for causing the speakers to project noise to the individual and actuating the recording device to record the individual&#39;s field of view. The microphone allows the individual to communicate, over the network, with a third party.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/130,733, filed Apr. 15, 2016 which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/293,038, filed Feb. 9, 2016 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/147,968, filed on Apr. 15, 2015, thedisclosures of each are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

People today are required to perform with increased competency and lessmargin for error, and in ever more difficult conditions often driven bycompetitiveness and finances. The ability to quickly process informationand maintain supreme control over body, mind, and emotion is as criticalas ever, and can require a great deal of sophistication onlyaccomplished by intense skill development. When people do not perform totheir ability, their performance is inefficient, and can even be unsafe.

An increased ability to concentrate can benefit persons participating ina variety of activities, including the operation of automobiles, heavymachinery, computers, high-speed vehicles, et cetera. One examplewherein increased concentration would be beneficial is in theparticipation of sports. Athletes utilize different training systems andmethods to improve their game. There are a number of these systems thatexist, including, for example, the use of pitching machines for battingpractice. However, none of the systems and methods currently availableis effective for training the player's entire approach to the game. Itwould be useful to have a training system that athletes can use to trainfor the game.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify critical elements of the invention or to limit thescope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts ofthe invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription presented below.

In one embodiment, a system for improving an individual's responseincludes a distraction system, comprising at least one of the followingdistraction applications: a system light capable of exhibiting strobebehavior; a speaker; a sensor for determining the stress of theindividual; a recording device; an item of headwear; an object deliverydevice for delivering an object from a first location away from theindividual to a second location proximal the individual; and a computingdevice. The item of headwear is worn by the individual and includes amicrophone; a speaker; a recording device secured to a front of the itemof headwear; and a device for measuring and recording electricalactivity in the individual's brain. The computing device includesmachine readable media; an input device; an output device; acommunication device for communicating over a network with thedistraction system; a processor in data communication with the machinereadable media, the input device, and the output device, and electronicinstructions that, when executed by the processor, perform steps for:interacting with the individual via a user interface to receive personaldata from the individual via the input device; actuating the light andthe speaker such that the light exhibits strobe behavior and the speakerprojects sound therefrom; actuating the recording device and sensingdevice to record interaction data of the individual's interaction withthe object at the second location; storing the interaction data in thecomputing device; and providing a readout of the interaction data on theoutput device. Each of the light, the speaker, the sensor, and therecording device comprise hardware for allowing communication with thecomputing device over the network.

In another embodiment, a system for improving an individual's responsecomprises an item of headwear having a microphone; a speaker; arecording device secured to a front of the item of headwear; anelectroencephalogram cap for measuring and recording electrical activityin the individual's brain; and a computing device. The computing deviceincludes machine readable media; an input device; an output device; acommunication device for communicating over a network; a processor indata communication with the machine readable media, the input device,and the output device; and electronic instructions that, when executedby the processor, perform steps for causing the speakers to projectnoise to the individual and actuating the recording device to record theindividual's field of view. The microphone allows the individual tocommunicate, over the network, with a third party.

In still another embodiment, a system for improving an individual'sresponse, includes a distraction system and a computing device. Thedistraction system may include the following distraction applications: asystem light capable of exhibiting strobe behavior; a speaker; a sensorfor determining the stress of the individual; a recording device; and anitem of headwear. The item of headwear may comprise a microphone; aspeaker; a recording device secured to a front of the item of headwear;and a device for measuring and recording electrical activity in theindividual's brain. The computing device may include machine readablemedia; an input device; an output device; a communication device forcommunicating over a network with the distraction system; a processor indata communication with the machine readable media, the input device,and the output device, and electronic instructions that, when executedby the processor, perform steps for: interacting with the individual viaa user interface to receive personal data from the individual via theinput device; actuating the light and the speaker such that the lightexhibits strobe behavior and the speaker projects sound therefrom;actuating the recording device and sensing device to record interactiondata of the individual's interaction with the system; storing theinteraction data in the computing device; and providing a readout of theinteraction data on the output device. Each of the light, the speaker,the sensor, and the recording device comprise hardware for allowingcommunication with the computing device over the network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system for improving humanresponse, sensitivity, and performance according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates various apparatus for creating a distractingenvironment according to the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3a illustrates a process for improving human response, sensitivity,and performance according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3b illustrates process for improving human response, sensitivity,and performance according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4h, and 4g illustrate a user interfaceaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary strike zone, according to one embodimentof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Research suggests that humans are capable of increasing their senses,for example, vision, by engaging in activities that require intenseconcentration on a particular item while surrounded by distractions.Employing various distractions while requiring a person to focusintently on a particular item may allow the person to adapt his brain'sperception of information and therefore his response to stimulus. It isthis ability to practice intense concentration which may allow theoperator to experience increased visual perception, balance,anticipation, reaction, et cetera.

Embodiments of systems and methods for improving human response,sensitivity, and performance are disclosed herein. The system mayincorporate various distracting mechanisms or applications, described indetail below, which may require the user to practice intenseconcentration in order to maintain focus on a particular item. Thesystem may further train an individual to control his or her emotions inhigh pressure situations. While the systems and methods described hereinmay be beneficial for use to increase a person's concentration in avariety of circumstances, for ease of describing the invention, thedescription provided herein is directed to the system's use in athletictraining, and in particular, in training baseball players to betterfocus on a baseball to increase the player's ability to consistentlyperform quality at-bats.

As will be evident based on the description herein, one exemplary objectof the invention is to provide a system that places variable stresses onthe user in order to create an environment that inhibits concentration(e.g., the opposite of what would typically be considered an “ideal”learning environment). A user of the system is required to exhibitincreased focus in order to concentrate on an particular task or object.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the invention, asystem 100 for improving human performance may include a one or morecomputing devices 101. The system 100 may further include one or moreexternal input and/or output devices (e.g., 160, 165, 175, 190, 195,220). The external input and/or output devices (e.g., 160, 165, 175,190, 195, 220) may be in data communication with the computing device101—for example, over a network 145—as discussed in more detail below.

The computing device 101 may have a processor 105. The processor 105 maybe any type of computational circuit, including but not limited to amicroprocessor, microcontroller, controller, complex instruction setcomputing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing(RISC) processor, graphics processor, digital signal process, or anyother type of processor or processing circuit capable of performing thedesired function. The computing device 101 may further include a storageunit 120, computer memory 125, an input device 110, an output device115, and a networking or communication device 135, each of which may bein data communication with the processor 105.

In a preferred embodiment, the computing device 101 may be a desktopdevice, such as a desktop computer, or a mobile device, such as a laptop(e.g., Apple® Macbook, Dell® Ultrabook, HP® Envy, Sony® Vaio), a tablet(e.g., and iPad, Chromebook, Venue, Surface Pro, Nexus), a smart phone(e.g., iPhone, BlackBerry, Samsung® Galaxy), et cetera. For example, inone embodiment, the computing device 101 may be a tablet. In anotherembodiment, the computing device 101 may be a smart phone. In stillanother embodiment, the computing device 101 may be a laptop. Althoughcertain devices are referred to herein by name, those skilled in the artshall appreciate that any suitable mobile device, whether now known orlater developed, may be utilized in the system. Further, while thesystem is illustrated and described herein as having a single computingdevice 101, multiple computing devices 101 may be included in the system100 in any desirable combination. For example, in one embodiment, thesystem 100 may include two computing devices 101, one being a laptop,and another being a smart phone. The multiple computing devices 101 maybe in communication with each other over the network 145.

Those of skill in the art will further appreciate that the computingdevice 101 may include an operating system, such as Microsoft® Windows,Mac® OS, UNIX® OS, Linux® OS, Android OS, for example, which controlsbasic tasks such as the control and allocation of memory, facilitationof networking, file management, prioritization of processes, et cetera.

The storage unit 120 may be, for example, a disk drive for storingprograms and data, and the storage unit 120 is shown having anapplication or program 130 for controlling a distracting environment asset forth below. As is understood by those of skill in the art, theprogram 130 can be broken into one or more subprograms, which may bestored in storage units 120 of separate devices 101. Data may betransferred between storage units 120 using known methods. Theapplication 130 may be permanently or temporarily stored in the computermemory 125, which may be transferred thereto from the storage unit 120.

The input device 110 and the output device 115 may include any devicecapable of inputting information into, and presenting data from, thecomputing device 101. For example, the input 110 may comprise one ormore keys, switches, knobs, sensors, remote controllers, microphones,stylus pens, cameras, receivers (e.g., RFID or Bluetooth receivers),input slots for CD, DVD, VHS, USB, SD cards, et cetera. In a preferredembodiment, the input 110 may include a wired or wireless keyboard and amouse. The output device 115 may be a computer monitor, touch screen, orprinter, for example. The output device 115 may be useful for displayinga user interface of the program 130, illustrated in FIGS. 4a-4h . Theuser or administrator may input data into the program 130 via the inputdevice 110, which is displayed to the user or administrator via theoutput device 115.

The networking device 135 may be any networking device that allows thecomputing device 101 to connect to the network 145, such as a switch,router, modem, networking card, antenna, transceiver, et cetera. Thenetwork 145 may be any suitable network that allows for bidirectionalcommunication between the computing device(s) 101 and the external inputand/or output devices (e.g., 160, 165, 175, 190, 195, 220). For example,the network 145 may be one or more of a wireless (or wired) wide areanetwork, a local area network, a personal area network, a cellularnetwork (e.g., GSM or CDMA), a Bluetooth network, and infrared network,the World Wide Web, et cetera.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a solitary server,computer (e.g., a desktop or laptop computer), or other suitablecomputing device. In other embodiments, the system 100 may include acollection of servers, computers, or other suitable computing devices.Typically, a cluster or collection of servers may be used when thedemands of the external input and/or output devices are beyond thereasonable capabilities of a single server or computer. In someembodiments, the servers in the cluster or collection of servers may beinterchangeable from the perspective of the external input and/or outputdevices (e.g., 160, 165, 175, 190, 195, 220).

The system 100 may optionally further include additional memorycapability, such as a databank 150. The databank 150 may becommunication (e.g., over the network 145) with the computing device 101and the various external input and/or output devices (e.g., 160, 165,175, 190, 195, 220). The databank 150 may comprise a plurality ofdatabases. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the databank 150 may includea user data database 150 a, a metrics data database 150 b, a coachdatabase 150 c, and a comparison data database 150 d.

The user data database 150 a may store information about each player ina player profile, for example. This information may include a player'sname, birthday, height, weight, and potentially even career statistics.The metrics database 150 b may store information regarding the player'sresults with the system 100, or metrics related to an entire team, forexample. The coaches database 150 c may store information about coaches,which may include name, institution where he or she coaches, and contactinformation. The comparison database 150 d may store results as comparedwith other users of the system.

The various databases 150 a, 150 b, 150 c, and 150 d may be accessed bythe user, a coach, or an administrator, depending on the level ofsecurity placed on the program 130. The user (e.g., a player) may wishfor coaches to be able to access their personal and metrics information,and coaches may desire for the players to be able to access theirinformation. However, the coach may not wish to provide personalinformation (e.g., home phone number) to the players, and therefore thisinformation may be hidden from the player.

As noted above, the external input and/or output devices (e.g., 160,165, 175, 190, 195, 220) may be chosen from a number of differentdevices, described below. Additionally, it will be understood that morethan one of the external input and/or output devices (e.g., 160, 165,175, 190, 195, 220) may be included in a combination as part of thesystem 100, and the devices may be configured to communicate with eachother and the computing device 101, for example, over the network 145.

In one embodiment, an output device comprises one or more lights 160.The lights 160 may be any type of light that, when lit, would causedistractions for the user of the system 100. For example, the lights 160may be UV lights, LEDs, LCDs, lasers, et cetera. Further, the lights 160may be strobe lights, dance floor lights, or any other type of flashingor discontinuous lighting application. As described below, in apreferred embodiment, the lights 160 are provided as LED strobe lights.

The lights 160 may be in wired or wireless communication (e.g., over thenetwork 145) with the computing device 101 such that operation of theprogram 130 controls the operation of the lights 160. Alternatively, thelights 160 may be controlled with a simple switch 161 (FIG. 2) forcontrolling the flashing and/or the brightness of the lights 160.

The lights 160 may comprise one or more of the types of lights listedabove. In one preferred embodiment, the lights comprise 8-foot LEDlights. However, other lengths of LED light bars may additionally, oralternatively, be included in the system (e.g., 6-foot LED bars, 4-footLED bars, etc.). Typically, LED lights are provided in an array andattached to a circuit with a driver. The LED driver converts highervoltage, alternating current to low voltage, direct current, as mostLEDs are designed to run on low voltage (e.g., 12-24V), direct currentelectricity, and most places supply higher voltage (e.g. 120-277V)alternating current electricity.

Due to the drivers that are usually employed with LED lights, typical8-foot LED lights do not have the capability to perform as strobe lights(e.g., flashing). However, removing the driver from the 8-foot LED andre-programming the printed circuit board (PCB) may allow the lights tobe customized so as to exhibit strobe behavior. For example, the LEDlights may be electrically connected a control box having a customizedPCB, AC/DC controller, and power step chip set for controlling thestrobe function of the LED lights. The PCB may be programmed with one ormore algorithms according to known methods to cause the lights to strobeat various intervals. The algorithms may allow the lights to flash insuch a manner so as to simulate, among other things, different speeds ofpitches and different types of pitches (curve ball, fast ball, slider,etc.). Similar technology may additionally be employed with the othertypes of lights, either alone or in combination with the LED lights.

The light 160 may comprises a plurality of LED lights arranged on acircuit board in any configuration. In one configuration, the pluralityof LED lights are configured as a square wave, and a controller iselectrically coupled to the plurality of LED lights and is operable tooperate the LED lights in a mode in which the LED lights flash in apredetermined sequence. The predetermined sequence may be selected tosimulate various speeds of pitches. The circuit board may include adigital readout which may allow an administrator to alter the sequenceto change how the player perceives the baseball as it is being thrown tothe player.

Whether the lights 160 are controlled via operation of the program 130over the network 145 or through operation of a switch 161, the user maybe provided with a readout (e.g., via output device 115) of the strobelevel of the lights 160 during his or her particular session. Theresults may be communicated (e.g., over the network 145) and stored inthe memory 125 or databank 150 for future reference. Alternately, theresults may be independently input (e.g., via input 110, such as akeyboard) into the computing device 101. By keeping track of the strobelevel of the lights, the hitter may be able to determine his or heraccuracy of detecting ball replication.

In order to maximize the effects of the lighting 160, extraneous lights,such as those provided for general lighting purposes of the building orpractice area, may be turned off such that the environment is dark whenthe lighting 160 is not activated. Objects that are desired to be seenmay be equipped with glow-in-the-dark features to make them visible inthe dark. Black lights may be placed around the area so as to enable theglow-in-the-dark features to be seen in the dark. For example, while oneobjective of the system is to make it difficult for a user to focus on aparticular object (e.g., a baseball) in order to require the user toexercise greater focus and concentration, it may be beneficial for theobject to be at least somewhat visible during the periods of darkness.This may be especially true at a beginner's level. Therefore, it may bedesirable for the threads on the baseball to be glow-in-the-dark suchthat the user may be able to track the ball during periods of darkness(e.g., when the lights are flashing between periods of lesser andgreater illumination) from the time the baseball leaves the “pitcher”until it reaches home plate, at which time the user hopefully makescontact with the ball. As the user becomes more adept at tracking thebaseball, the user may desire a baseball that does not haveglow-in-the-dark features, thus requiring even greater focus andconcentration in order to hit the ball.

In another embodiment, the extraneous lights may be extinguished, and UVlights may be illuminated. The baseball may be equipped with laces (orseams) having glow-in-the-dark capabilities. Thus, the batter may onlysee the laces of the baseball as it travels from the “pitcher” to homeplate.

If the lights 160 are in communication with the computing device 101,operation of the program 130 may cause the lights 160 to flash orotherwise shift between periods of lesser and greater illuminationaccording to random time intervals. Alternatively (or additionally), theprogram 130 may cause the lights 160 to flash in accordance with thebeat of a song, for example. Accordingly, it may also be desirable forthe system 100 to include one or more speakers 165. The speakers 165 maybe in wired or wireless communication (e.g., over the network 145) withthe computing device 101, which may control the operation of thespeakers 165. The program 130 may include a timer to allow the speakers165 to play a particular song, or series of songs. The program 130 mayalso be configured to cause the speakers 165 to play other distractingnoises, such as beeping noises, white noise, or any other sound,especially those sounds which may be associated with a particularactivity (e.g., cheering, booing, crowd noise, announcements, etc.).

The level of sound through the speakers 165 may oscillate randomly(e.g., from a reduced level to an amplified level) as a result ofoperation of the program 130, which may include various subprograms forcontrolling the sound in the speakers 165, for example, according tovarious patterns. The program 130 may also be configured keep the levelof sound constant throughout the operation.

In one example, a beginner level user or the administrator may select asubprogram that plays a single distracting noise (e.g., crowd noise) ata constant level for a desired period (e.g., the length of one practice,or at various intervals). As the individual advances, the alternativesubprograms may cause the distracting noises to be randomly selected andplayed, and the level of sound to oscillate between reduced andamplified levels.

Alternately (or additionally), controlling the level of sound may beaccomplished by physically operating a volume control (e.g., switch 166,FIG. 2) so as to turn the volume up or down, as desired. Further, thespeakers 165 may be configured to receive an input 167 from a personaldevice, for example, a cell phone, tablet computer, etc. The input 167may provide the sound and control the level of noise emanating from thespeakers 165.

The lights 160 and/or speakers 165 may be positioned around the learningarea (e.g., the batting cage) to provide distractions from multiplepositions around the user. It shall be noted that the lights 160 and/orspeakers 165 may be transportable such that they may be positioned inmyriad different positions and locations based on the needs and desiresof a particular user. Alternately, the lights 160 and/or speakers 165may be permanently fixed in a desired position, which may be determinedto be the most effective placement of the equipment.

In still another embodiment, the system 100 may include means formeasuring and/or recording an individual's level of stress whileutilizing the system (e.g., stress sensor 175). For example, the system100 may include a heart rate monitor which may be temporarily fixed tothe user and configured for wireless communication with the computingdevice 101 (e.g., over the network 145). One exemplary device formeasuring heart rate may include a glove (e.g., a batter's glove) whichis worn by the user during the session. The glove may utilizeelectrodermal activity (EDA), also known as galvanic skin responsetechnology, to measure the individual's heart rate. The individual'sheart rate data may be transferred (e.g., over the network 145) to thecomputing device 101 or the databank 150. At the end of the session, theindividual may receive a readout of his or her heart rate during thesession (e.g., via output 115). This may allow the individual topinpoint situations that cause excess stress to the individual, whichmay then allow the individual to address these situations in order tomaintain a calm demeanor.

Comparing heart rate data over a period of time, such as severalsessions, may allow the individual to quantify the results of using thesystem 100. For example, the individual may find that when he firstbegan using the system 100, his heart rate was elevated (indicating ahigh level of stress) when there was a lot of noise. As the user becamemore comfortable with blocking out the distractions as a result oftraining using the system 100 described herein, his heart rate began tostabilize, indicating that the user has increased confidence hitting theball during increased levels of noise.

In another embodiment, the system 100 may further include additionalapparatus for distracting the user of the system 100, for example, atthe user's position of engagement with the system 100. In one example,the system 100 may be equipped with a platform 190 upon which the userstands while engaging with the system 100. The platform 190 may beconfigured to vibrate or otherwise move back and forth during the user'sengagement with the system 100. Consequently, the platform 190 may beequipped with hydraulics or other means for causing the platform 190 tomove. As described above regarding the lights 160 and speakers 165, theplatform 190 may be in communication with the computing device 101 forcontrolling the movement of the platform 190. Operation of the program130 may cause the platform 190 to move randomly backwards and forwards,and/or to provide vibration. The user may thus be forced to maintainfocus and stance even while being involuntarily moved. Continuing withthe baseball example, the home plate and corresponding batter's boxesmay be positioned atop the platform 190. The user may take his or herplace in the appropriate batter's box, and prepare to receive pitches.The program 130 may then cause the platform 190 to move, requiringintense concentration by the hitter in order to maintain focus on thebaseball and maintain a correct batting stance.

In addition to providing a distracting environment, it may be beneficialto provide apparatus 195 for tracking an individual's performance inorder to provide evaluations and/or feedback to the individual. Forexample, various recording apparatus 195, such as cameras, videorecorders, drones equipped with cameras to capture specific cameraangels, microphones, or other recording devices may be provided tomeasure, record, and optionally display (via output 115, for example)quantifiable results of the individuals' performance. The apparatus 195may be in communication (e.g., over the network 145) with the computingdevice 101 and data received therefrom may be stored in the databank150. The program 130 may be configured to use the data from therecording apparatus 195 to rate multiple users based on performanceand/or improvement.

One example of an apparatus 195 for tracking performance may include amicrophone located on or near home plate. The microphone may be able torecord the sound of the ball coming off of the bat, which may bedirectly related to how well the batter hit the baseball.

In a further example, the system 100 may be equipped with a lasertracking system 170 for tracking where in the strike zone the individualhas the greatest strength and weakness. An exemplary strike zone isillustrated in FIG. 5. The strike zone is always the width of anofficial or regulation size home plate. In one embodiment, the strikezone is seven baseball widths across. In another embodiment, the strikezone is 17″ across. However, the height of the strike zone depends onthe height of the hitter. As described herein, the program 130 may beindividually tailored for each user of the system. Therefore, when theindividual inputs his or her information into the program 130, theperson's strike zone may then be determined.

In another embodiment, it may be desirable for the user to see targetsoutside of the strike zone. Therefore, the laser tracking system 170 maybe further configured to provide targets where are outside the strikezone.

The laser tracking system 170 may include, for example, a laser mountingdevice. The laser mounting device may comprise a standing havingvertical legs and a horizontal axis extending therebetween. Lasers maybe positioned along the vertical and horizontal legs. The laser mountingdevice may be positioned just ahead of the hitter's anticipated contactarea such that the lasers are able to project the hitter's strike zonein the hitter's field of view. In one embodiment, a vapor screen may befurther incorporated into the system 100 for projecting the strike zoneand/or other visual distractions. The strike zone may be provided in1-dimension or 3-dimensions, depending on the hitter's preference orrequirements.

As the hitter hits the baseball, additional lasers (or other trackingdevice, such as a camera or video camera) may be placed outside of thehitting zone (e.g., on a mounting device) and may be configured to trackand/or record where the baseball was located in the strike zone, andwhether the batter made contact with the ball. The batter's hittinginformation may be aggregated into a chart to show areas of strength andweakness within the strike zone.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the system 100 includes ahelmet 220 (or other type of protective headgear). The helmet 220 maybe, for example, a traditional helmet typically worn by athletes for arespective sport, which has been equipped with various capabilities forcreating a distracting environment and/or means for collecting, storing,and transferring data. The helmet 220 may be in communication with thecomputing device 101, for example, over the network 145. Alternatively,the helmet 220 may be fully capable of acting alone. The helmet 220 maythus include a computing device 201 having a processor 225, storage 240,memory 245, a program 250, one or more input and output devices 230 and250, respectively, and a communication device 255 for communicating overthe network 145.

The helmet 220 may include various distraction-inducing capabilities(e.g., output devices 250), as well as means for collecting andtransferring data. In one embodiment, the helmet 220 is equipped withspeakers which may provide audio distraction to the helmet wearer. Thehelmet 220 may receive the audio input from the computing device 101 orthe helmet computing device 201 (which may include various audio filesin the storage 240 for playback over the speakers), or from an inputdevice 230 (such as a cell phone, iPod, MP3 player, SD Card, et cetera).

The helmet 220 may additional include a microphone. The player may beable to communicate with an administrator, for example, via themicrophone using existing technology, such as Bluetooth or cellulartechnology, or by transmitting the audio over the network 145.

The helmet 220 may include a camera or video recorder for takingpictures and/or videos of the user's view during the session. The cameraand/or video recorder may allow the user to track the position of his orher head during a pitch cycle. It may be preferable for the camera to belocated, for example, between the user's eyes at a position that doesnot obstruct the user's view. This video may be stored in the memory245, or alternately transmitted over the network 145 and stored in thememory of the computing device 101, or in the databank 150.

In addition to speakers and cameras, the helmet 220 may include anaccelerometer and/or a gyroscope. The accelerometer and/or gyroscope mayfurther monitor the position of the user's head during a pitch cycle,for example (or, in another example, as a golfer swings his clubs). Theaccelerometer and/or gyroscope may collect data of the user's headposition at predetermined intervals (e.g., every ½ second, every second,every two seconds, etc.) The data may be stored in the helmet's memory245, or may be transmitted to the computing device 101 or stored in thedatabank 150.

The helmet 220 may be further equipped with sensors. The sensors may beuseful for determining a force exerted upon the helmet 220, among otheruses. Unfortunately, sports have an inherent level of a risk of injury.In baseball, helmets are required to be worn by batters to preventbaseballs from hitting a batter directly on the head, the results ofwhich could be catastrophic. It may be desirable to know what forces areexerted on the helmet 220 (and therefore, on a person's head) so as toprovide additional data in determining the health of the batter.

The helmet 220 may additionally include means for measuring brainactivity during the session. Using known technology, such aselectroencephalogram technology, the administrator may be able tomonitor electrical activity in the brain. This information may be storedin the databank 150, and may be further provided to the user at the endof the session (e.g., via output 115).

Operation of various apparatus in the helmet 220 may cause the wearer ofthe helmet 220 to experience heightened temperatures. The helmet 220 maythus be equipped with cooling technology, such as a PeltierThermoelectric Cooler. Other cooling technology may also, oralternatively, be incorporated into the helmet 220.

As may be understood by those of skill in the art, the helmet 220 may bea standalone piece of equipment, or alternately, may be provided inconjunction with one or more of the various applications discussed above(e.g., lights 160, speakers 165, platform 190, etc.). Informationretrieved from the various applications of the helmet 220 may be storedtherein (e.g., at memory 245), or transmitted (e.g., over the network145) to another location for more permanent storage, such as on thedatabank 150 or memory 125.

The helmet may further include, for example, a GPS locator. This mayenable the user to locate his or her helmet, should it become misplaced,or for a parent to locate a child

Certain variables that would otherwise exist in the process 100 may beremoved, as necessary, to provide a more automated system. For example,an object delivery device 198, such as a pitching machine, may beprovided either separately, or in communication with the computingsystem 101 (e.g., over the network 145), to remove the element of variedpitching as a result of human performance. In this way, the user of thesystem may be able to more easily quantify the results of his or herperformance in a particular session, and perhaps more importantly, overa period of time of using the system.

The system 100 may be further illustrated by another non-limitingexample. The system as described above may be implemented as part of abasketball training system. The system may be generally the same asdescribed herein, except as is described below or as would be obvious toone having ordinary skill in the art. Various lighting applications maybe positioned at or near the basketball goal to distract the player.Further, auditory and other distractions may additionally or alternatelybe included as described above.

The basketball goal may be provided in front of, for example, an LCD,LED, or other type of screen which may play various images and/or lightpatterns to distract the player. The backboard of the basketball goalmay be configured to slide laterally along the length of the screen (orbeyond the length of the screen) such that the focal point of thebackboard shifts. It may thus be preferable for the backboard to beclear such that light and/or other distractions may be transmittedthrough the backboard. Alternately, the backboard may itself be an LCD,LED, or other type of screen capable of projecting images light patternswhile withstanding repeated shocks by basketballs.

Those of skill in the art shall understand that the system 100 may behoused, for example, in a warehouse equipped with the necessaryelectrical components for running the system 100. Alternately, thesystem 100 may be portable and may be configured to run on battery,solar, or other type of power.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 3a and 3b , which illustrate a method300 of operation of the system 100. In FIG. 3, the method 300 begins atstep 301. At step 302, the user or administrator accesses the program130 via the computing device 101, and more particularly, input device110. At step 303, the user (or administrator) uses the input device 110to input the user's personal information into the system to create auser profile (see FIGS. 4a-4f ). The profile may include the user'sname, contact information, player statics, etc. The information may bestored in the computing device memory 125, or the databank 150. The useror administrator may be prompted to provide a desired level of privacy,so that only certain information is available to persons unknown by theuser and/or administrator.

At step 304, the user or administrator selects goals for the user (FIG.4g ) and the information is stored in the appropriate storage device.Moving on to step 305, the user or administrator selects the variousexternal input and/or output applications (e.g., 160, 165, 175, 190,195, 220) that are desired to be in sue during the session. The program130 may include an option for selecting the player's level ofperformance (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced, custom), andsubprograms may be activated based on the chosen skill level foroperating the external input and/or output applications.

At step 306, the processor 105 causes the selected external input and/oroutput applications to activate, and any external input and/or outputapplications that are not controlled over the network 145 via program130 may be activated by the user and/or the administrator. The processthen continues to step 307.

At step 307, the session begins, and at step 308, the batter receivespitches and the respective applications take, transmit, and/or storedata as provided herein. Step 308 may continue for a predeterminedperiod of time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.).

At step 309, the session ends, and the player's final statistics may berecorded and stored in the databank 150. The player's results mayadditional be compared to other player's results and stored in thecomparison database 150 d.

At step 310, the processor 105 causes the output device 115 (e.g.,printer or display) to provide the user or administrator with a printoutor display of the user's statistics for the session.

FIG. 3b illustrates a truncated process 300′ of the process 300 of FIG.3a . Here, the user may be returning of a second visit. Since theplayer's information is already stored in the program 130 (e.g., inmemory 125 or databank 150), the process 300′ may start at step 304′,which corresponds to step 304 in FIG. 3a . The process 300′ thenproceeds through steps 305′, 306′, 307′, 308′, 309′, and 310′, asdescribed above regarding FIG. 3 a.

Many different arrangements of the described invention are possiblewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with theintent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do notdepart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative meansof implementing the disclosed improvements without departing from thescope of the present invention.

Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinationsare of utility and may be employed without reference to other featuresand subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.Not all steps listed in the various figures and description need to becarried out in the specific order described. The description should notbe restricted to the specific described embodiments.

1. An environmental arrangement for improving a batter's hitting, theenvironmental arrangement comprising: a substantially dark hitting area;a substantially dark delivery area from which a ball is delivered to thehitting area; a strobe light positioned to output strobing slightvisible from the hitting area when the batter looks toward the deliveryarea and the ball is being delivered to the hitting area; a speakerpositioned to output sound audible from the hitting area; and acomputing device comprising: machine readable media; an input device; anoutput device; a processor in data communication with the machinereadable media, the input device, and the output device; and electronicinstructions that, when executed by the processor, perform steps for atleast one task selected from the group consisting of: (a) causing thestrobe light to output strobing light visible from the hitting area; and(b) causing the speaker to output sound audible from the hitting area.2. The environmental arrangement for improving a batter's hitting ofclaim 1, further comprising a sensor determining a physiologicalcondition of the individual.
 3. The environmental arrangement forimproving a batter's hitting of claim 1, wherein the strobe lightcomprises: a plurality of LED lights; and a controller electricallycoupled to the plurality of LED lights, the controller being operable tooperate the plurality of LED lights in a mode in which the plurality ofLED lights flash in a predetermined sequence.
 4. The environmentalarrangement for improving a batter's hitting of claim 3, wherein thestrobe light further comprises at least one UV light.
 5. Theenvironmental arrangement for improving a batter's hitting of claim 1,further comprising a batting cage, and wherein the hitting area and thedelivery area are inside the batting cage.
 6. The environmentalarrangement for improving a batter's hitting of claim 5, furthercomprising a pitching machine at the delivery area.
 7. The environmentalarrangement for improving a batter's hitting of claim 6, wherein theelectronic instructions, when executed by the processor, perform stepsfor each of: (a) causing the strobe light to output strobing lightvisible from the hitting area; and (b) causing the speaker to outputsound audible from the hitting area; and (c) causing the pitchingmachine to deliver the ball from the delivery area to the hitting area.8. The environmental arrangement for improving a batter's hitting ofclaim 7, wherein timing of steps (a) and (c) is such that the strobelight outputs strobing light visible from the hitting area during atleast part of a time required for the ball to travel from the deliveryarea to the hitting area.
 9. The environmental arrangement for improvinga batter's hitting of claim 8, further comprising a device determining atrajectory of the ball after the ball is struck by a bat wielded by thebatter.
 10. The environmental arrangement for improving a batter'shitting of claim 5, further comprising a device determining a trajectoryof the ball after the ball is struck by a bat wielded by the batter. 11.The environmental arrangement for improving a batter's hitting of claim5, further comprising a laser tracking device projecting a customizedstrike zone in front of the batter.
 12. An environmental arrangement forimproving a batter's hitting, the environmental arrangement comprising:a ball; a batting cage having a hitting area and a delivery area fromwhich the ball is delivered to the hitting area, the batting cage havinggeneral lighting, the general lighting being deactivated such that thebatting cage is dark; a strobe light outputting strobing slight visiblefrom the hitting area when the batter looks toward the delivery area andthe ball is being delivered to the hitting area; and a speakeroutputting sound audible from the hitting area.
 13. The environmentalarrangement for improving a batter's hitting of claim 12, wherein theball has a glow-in-the-dark feature.
 14. The environmental arrangementfor improving a batter's hitting of claim 12, further comprising a UVlight, and wherein the ball has a feature illuminated by the UV light.15. The environmental arrangement for improving a batter's hitting ofclaim 12, further comprising a laser tracking device projecting acustomized strike zone in front of the batter.
 16. An environmentalarrangement for improving a batter's hitting, the environmentalarrangement comprising: a batting cage having a hitting area and adelivery area from which a ball is delivered to the hitting area; and aplurality of lasers projecting a customized strike zone in a field ofview of the batter in the hitting area.
 17. The environmentalarrangement for improving a batter's hitting of claim 16, furthercomprising a vapor screen.
 18. The environmental arrangement forimproving a batter's hitting of claim 16, further comprising: a strobelight outputting strobing slight visible from the hitting area when thebatter looks toward the delivery area and the ball is being delivered tothe hitting area; and a speaker outputting sound audible from thehitting area.
 19. The environmental arrangement for improving a batter'shitting of claim 18, further comprising a computing device comprising:machine readable media; an input device; an output device; a processorin data communication with the machine readable media, the input device,and the output device; and electronic instructions that, when executedby the processor, perform steps for at least one task selected from thegroup consisting of: (a) causing the strobe light to output the strobinglight visible from the hitting area; and (b) causing the speaker tooutput the sound audible from the hitting area.